WASHINGTON, D.C. (December 6, 2018) – Today, following a call with Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, Eastern Washington Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers (WA-05) announced the approval of $20 million in new federal infrastructure grants for two projects in Eastern Washington, including $14.3 million for the Geiger Boulevard Project in Spokane County and $5.7 million for the Rural Rail Rehabilitation Project in Whitman, Lincoln, and Spokane Counties. 

“By investing in Eastern Washington infrastructure, this Republican administration is again demonstrating their commitment to creating jobs and rebuilding our nation’s roads, bridges, and railways,” said Cathy. “These projects are important to our communities, which is why I worked directly with the Department of Transportation to see them approved and fully funded.”

“The Administration’s continued investment in infrastructure promises to stimulate economic investment, improve quality of life, and create safe, reliable transportation in our communities,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao.

“I am very grateful for the work that our federal delegation has done and especially Congresswoman Cathy McMorris Rodgers to secure the award of the BUILD grant for the West Plains PDA,” said Al French, Spokane County Commissioner. “This funding will make more sites shovel ready to support and attract more businesses and more jobs to Spokane.”

“This BUILD grant award reflects the strategic importance of this freight rail system to Washington state’s agricultural community and is a recognition of the collaborative partnership between our Congresswoman, Cathy McMorris Rodgers, WSDOT, PCC shippers and other stakeholders,” stated Paul Katovich, CEO, of HighLine Grain Growers, Inc. “We are very pleased that we can now begin to repair portions of these turn-of-the-century rail lines and preserve our rural economies here in Eastern Washington.”

NOTE: This round of grants marks more than $85 million in infrastructure funding Cathy has helped secure for Eastern Washington in the last two years, including $9 million in funding for Spokane Valley’s Barker Road Project and more than $57 million in grant funding for Eastern Washington airports. 

CLICK HERE to read Cathy’s letter of support for the Geiger Boulevard Project. 

CLICK HERE to read Cathy’s letter of support for the Rural Rail Rehabilitation Project.

# # #